3D Fabrication is something that's pretty well established in the engineering world and is used to quickly build prototypes for machine parts.  The process is based on laying down layers of plastic, building up the shape layer by layer.  The only problem with these devices is that they typically run between $20,000 - $100,000 to purchase.  Don't even think about repair and "refill" costs.

Well, soon, that technology may become a heck of a lot cheaper.  So cheap in fact, that any techno-hobbyist could probably scrounge up the cash to get one.  At least, that's assuming Cornell PhD candidate Evan Malone gets his way.  The guy who built soccer-playing robots for his Masters, and is working on a device that will build a robot, complete with power pack and all the goodies is looking to take the knowledge gained in his robot fabrication research to the private sector, and make technology that could inspire a new industry, much the way computer kits helped jump start the PC revolution all those years ago.

Malone has even begun publishing his work on the project, Fab@Home in a dedicated wiki, where you can get software, and early instructions on how to start building your own 3D fabrication machine.  Total price to build?  Less than $2400!

Read more at ArsTechnica.